Apply to Serve on an APS Committee

Serving on an APS committee is a great way to advance the Society’s mission, and it's a rewarding experience. Here are important procedures and instructions for the application process.

Application Overview

Timeline. Committee applications open on May 21, 2025, and close on August 21, 2025. Appointed committee member and chair terms begin on May 1, 2026.

Committee Openings. The committee vacancies list identifies the committee position openings for the next year. Note that if there are three or more continuing section members on the committee, the Committee on Committees (CoC) will not consider appointing more members from that section. 

Eligibility. APS members in good standing may apply for a position. Members currently serving on an APS committee are required to spend at least one year off-service before beginning another term to allow opportunities for other members. Do not apply if you are currently serving on a committee. 

Application. Applications must be submitted in the awards module. Applications require an endorsement form from an APS member.  

Review Process. The CoC will use the Committee Application Rubric to review and score applications and present recommendations for standing committee chairs and members to the APS Board of Directors at their fall 2025 meeting. The rubric scores candidates across five areas, with a total possible score of 100 points:

• Interest in serving (35 points). Assesses the applicant’s motivation in applying for the committee and how they might contribute to the work of the committee.
• Special qualifications (30 points). Considers relevant experience, skills and knowledge to support the committee’s objectives.
• Academic interests and background (15 points). Reviews academic interests, affiliations and scientific expertise.
• Prior APS and other service (10 points). Evaluates past engagement with APS, other service experience and leadership at appropriate career stages.
• Endorsement letter (10 points). Looks at how well the letter supports the applicant’s qualifications and service contributions.

Applicants are ranked based on total rubric scores and the overall strength of their fit with the committee’s needs.

Notification. Candidates will be notified of their application status after the fall Board meeting. Committee terms will start on May 1, 2026. 

APS Committee Application Details

• Applicants are limited to applying to two committees in one application cycle. Members submitting more than two applications will be disqualified.
• Applicants must submit a separate application for each committee.
• Trainee position applicants must be a graduate or medical student, a postdoctoral fellow or a medical resident. Trainees are limited to serving one term.
• Committee chair applicants are required to have previously served on the standing committee to which they are applying. Applicants must be early-career, mid-career, established professionals, or senior physiologist (70-plus years of age).
• Members shall be limited to service on one committee, unless the bylaws require it, such as ex officio cross-committee appointments.
• The CoC has the right, when necessary, to recommend a highly qualified individual for a committee for which they had not applied. For example, some committees may have few applications where vacancies may not be filled. The CoC will then consider a qualified individual from the overall applicant pool to fill that vacancy.